FASS Placement Scheme

Placements offer you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in real world situations - and get paid for it!

Specifically generated with arts and social sciences students in mind, the FASS Placement Scheme offers undergraduate and postgraduate students valuable learning opportunities whilst providing you with the type of experience that is highly valued by today’s employees in an increasingly competitive job market.

Placements are typically in third sector, not for profit and local government settings however we do have some opportunities with SMEs too. Past placement hosts have included Carnegie Publishing, The Conversation, The Dukes, Ethical Consumer Research Association, Institute for Strategic Dialogue and Lancaster Business Improvement District. Roles can entail anything from marketing, PR and copywriting to undertaking specific research projects for the host organisation.

As well as allowing you to place your field of study into context, apply skills and knowledge acquired through study and the chance to make valuable contacts within your chosen sector, they will also develop transferable skills such as:

Team working

Time management

Leadership

Networking

Commercial awareness

Many employers use placements to test out a new role and frequently offer graduate roles to placement students.

Working within academic requirements

Placements are usually for 140 hours over a 4-8 week period. These are normally advertised and recruited between January and May each year. Part-time placements are available all year round at varying durations to fit around your academic requirements.

There are no legal restrictions on the number of hours UK and European Economic Area (EEA) students aged 18 or over can work while studying. However, Lancaster University recommends no more than 10 to 15 hours a week during term time. This figure aims to balance financial need and academic workload, so it is not advisable to exceed this limit.

Restrictions for non-EEA students depend on what is stamped in your passport. Many non-EEA students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and more during vacations. You can find useful information and a regularly updated fact sheet at the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

Funding

Placement students will receive a monthly payment by Lancaster University for their work. The hourly rate is shown on each placement advert but is approximately £1,000 per month for full-time work.

Location and travel

Some placements take place at the host organisation and some require the student to work remotely. The majority of hosts are located in the North West of England and London however some opportunities are available outside of these areas.

Placement students are responsible for arranging their accommodation and/or travel costs during their placement.

How to apply

Search for current vacancies on Target Connect and follow us on Twitter for the most up to date opportunities.

Submit an up to date CV and covering letter to k.dunbavan@lancaster.ac.uk

To find out more information about any of the vacancies please contact Rachel Beauchamp

Visit Careers to get some useful CV and covering letter tips, interview help and to book one-to-one careers appointments.